“We call on everyone to show maximum restraint, take immediate action to alleviate the situation unconditionally, and refrain from provocations, threats or intimidation,” the joint statement by the United States and the European Union (EU) said on the tension between Kosovo and Serbia.
“TO ACT IMMEDIATELY…”
As the tension between Kosovo and Serbia continues, the USA and the European Union (EU) issued a joint written statement on the tension between the two countries. In the statement, it was stated that the EU and the USA are concerned about the ongoing tense situation in the north of Kosovo and said, “We call on everyone to show maximum restraint, take immediate action to alleviate the situation unconditionally and refrain from provocations, threats or intimidations.”
Expressing that the EU and the US are in contact with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, the statement said, “President Vucic and the Prime Minister on a political solution to de-escalate tensions and agree on a forward path for the stability, security and well-being of all local communities. We are working with Kurti.”
“ANY KIND CANNOT BE ACCEPTED”
Welcoming Kosovo’s assurances that there are no lists of Kosovo Serb citizens to be arrested or prosecuted for peaceful protests/barricades, the statement said, “The rule of law must be respected. “No form of violence is acceptable and will not be tolerated,” it said.
Emphasizing that the US will support the work of the EU through the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), EULEX will continue to closely monitor all investigations and subsequent actions to improve respect for human rights, in accordance with its mandate, and added, “All Dialogue obligations should be fully implemented without delay.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Former Serbian police officer Dejan Pantic, who resigned from his post in November, was detained by the Kosovo police on 10 December. Kosovo Serbs reacted to the situation and set up barricades at the Jarinje and Bernjak border crossings. Pantic, who could not be brought to the south of the country due to roadblocks, was detained in a police station near Jarinje. With the decision made today, Pantic’s sentence was commuted to house arrest.